The ironic thing about this religious test is that these admission committees say that they are committed to diversity. But the book makes clear that the diversity is primarily racial and sexual, not ideological. In other words, applicants cannot stray from certain liberal orthodoxies if they wish to be admitted into elite Ph.D. programs. And... Continue Reading

There are also internal factors that draw people to theonomy: “Theonomy is well suited to appeal to our contemporary culture because it is, in important respects, characteristically American, evangelical, and modern” (ibid.). It is American since it believes that America should return to its biblical foundations. It is also an American in that its millenarianism... Continue Reading

I certainly appreciate Barclay’s titanic effort, and I suspect scholars will wade into the ocean of first-century literature on gift giving to confirm, challenge, or modify elements of Barclay’s claims. I welcome Barclay’s work since it casts light on the world of the New Testament that can help pastors and academics refine their exegesis and understanding... Continue Reading

When I first began reading Webber’s book, which was written several decades ago, I was worried that it would be a bit dated, only in terms of its evaluation of the current attitudes and dynamics in Evangelical Protestantism. Turns out, most of his insights about church culture and worship practice are still very relevant.  ... Continue Reading

Although Christian is the protagonist of Bunyan’s allegory, Christ is undoubtedly the central figure.  Jesus is not only the Wicket Gate, but He is the Lord of the Hill, who was the topic of Christian’s discussion with the Virtues at Interpreter’s House, and He had preceded Christian and Faithful through Vanity Fair.  In fact, Christ... Continue Reading

To paraphrase Holy Scripture, specifically Paul in Galatians 2-3, the law does not give life; obedience does not bring justification; works do not earn the inheritance; the promise does not come by performance. Life, justification, and the inheritance come only by faith in the promise – in Christ alone.  To distinguish the law and gospel... Continue Reading

Frame, on the other hand, focuses primarily on using apologetics as a tool for evangelism, in line with his interest in the practical nature of theology. In this respect, Frame is willing to use logical proofs and evidences to commend the faith, similar to classical apologists (such as Ligonier Ministries). According to Barber, where Frame... Continue Reading

“You will note that not every book is old, of course, but these are the books that I believe have shaped and continue to shape our movement (assembled based purely on anecdotal evidence). Every carpenter has a set of trusty tools he must have in his workshop; these are the same tools for the maturing,... Continue Reading

“To be fair to Mr. Lucas, conceiving of the mystery of life in a dramatically plausible way is no small task.  The poets of old balked at it.  And yet like so many of his generation, modern technology has made the path of wonder look so easy, so mundane.  Technological advance has fostered the vain... Continue Reading

In past years, I’ve used Bibles that apportion the texts out for me. It makes it simple to just open and read without a lot of flipping between texts. However, I find this plan preferable because it allows me to read through the Bible in my own Bible. This fact also meant I can choose... Continue Reading